ROAD WILL BE CLOSED FOR SIX MONTHS

HIGHWAYS bosses were forced to close a road north of Wokingham after parts of it collapsed.

Engineers fear that the section of road in The Straight Mile — which leads to Twyford — could cost up to £500,000 to put right.

Sections began to fall away last Wednesday, causing a danger to motorists, and prompting an immediate vehicle ban.

The road is 58 metres north of the M4 overbridge and is used by many as a cut through from Wokingham to the northern parishes.

Landmark Billingbear Golf Course is located on the road, although access to this is still available.

Problems with a bank at the side of The Straight Mile were spotted at the beginning of the month when a 30 metre stretch collapsed.

Concerns that the road would soon follow suit prompted the emergency measures.

Engineer Tony Street said the road had been monitored since problems were discovered.

He said: "Erosion started to occur on October 8 and our immediate action was to put in traffic signals and cordon that area off.

"The crash barriers at the side of the road fell away and then we were losing the side of the road itself.

"We have been monitoring since then. For whatever reason there has been a further collapse and after another site inspection on Wednesday there was cause for concern of this spreading across the whole road.

"It could collapse. It's an unlit section of road and has fairly fast traffic on there.

"Obviously we want to get the road open but it has got to be safe and secure."

Engineers will complete an investigation of the road within six weeks, after which vital repair work will be carried out.

This could take up to five months.

Mr Street added: "It could be March before it's finished because we need the right weather conditions to do the work."

A spokesman from Wokingham District Council, which will have to foot the bill, said it was "exploring options" as to how to meet the costs.